PANJIM: The soaring mercury did nothing to deter over 100 persons, including activists and NGO members, who feeling betrayed by the BJP government over Special Status, marched from Mapusa to Panjim on Monday. The marchers raised slogans criticising the government and demanded that the government fulfill the promise of Special Status for Goa. Rural Development Minister Alina Saldanha joined the marchers at Porvorim and walked with them till Panjim.
The march, organised under the banner of Goa’s Movement For Special Status (GMFSS), was led by historian Prajal Sakhardande, who is the president of GMFSS. It was flagged off by former St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes. The march was specially organised on March 21 as it is the death anniversary of former minister late Matanhy Saldanha.
Sakhardande, speaking to the media, said that Matanhy, the founder of the GMFSS, had joined the BJP-led government with one condition that BJP will fight to get Special Status for Goa so as to retain its identity.
“Today (Monday) is the fourth death anniversary of Matanhy Saldanha who fought throughout his life for Special Status for Goa. The BJP government had promised Special Status, but they have betrayed his dreams of getting Special Status. By doing this BJP has not only betrayed his dreams but also betrayed all of Goa and all Goans,” Sakhardande said.
He added, “Under Article 371 (i) of the Indian Constitution we have been demanding Special Status for Goa and we will fight till we get it”.
Fernandes said Goa is being destroyed every day and the people can see this. “BJP government has completely betrayed everyone on special status issue. Goa has been sold out to outsiders, Special Status is a must for a State like Goa to keep its identity intact,” Fernandes said.
GMFSS had recently asked Alina Saldanha to resign and join the movement. Saldanha is a member of GMFSS who was elected to the Assembly in a by-election following the death of her husband Matanhy and inducted in the cabinet after that.
GMFSS said the BJP government, as well as the Centre, have betrayed Goans and used the issue of Special Status as a tool during the elections. GMFSS also said they will be intensifying the agitation in the coming days.
